Newsletter

Ladies	Away to New Beccs.
1^st XI	Home to Penguins	Lost 4-0
2^nd XI	Malcolm Bachelor Trophy
3^rd XI	Home to Folkestone
4^th XI	Away to Sutton Valence
5^th XI	Home to Gravesend
Senators	Home to Reigate

Ladies	Home to Tunbridge Wells 2	St Lawrence	12.00
1^st XI	Away to Worthing	Durrington Leisure Complex	13.10
2^nd XI	MB Trophy
3^rd XI	Home to Sevenoaks Acorns	Jackey Bakers	12.00
4^th XI	Home to HSBC	Jackey Bakers	13.30
5^th XI	Home to Old Williamsonians	St Lawrence	10.30
Senators	Home to Burnt Ash	Jackey Bakers	15.00

Ladies	Home to Folkestone	St Lawrence	12.00
1^st XI	Away to Sevenoaks		15.00
2^nd XI	MB Trophy
3^rd XI	Home to Holcome 3A
4^th XI	Home to Wellcome	Jackey Bakers	12.00
5^th XI	Away to Wellcome
Senators

Penguins are one of only two teams below us in the league, so despite having had a week off due to the cancellation of the Sevenoaks game, we approached this game confident of securing the 3 points we needed.

The first 15 minutes went according to plan, although we were unable to take a deserved lead. Possession was kept well, and the game played mainly in the Penguin’s half of the pitch. Then, with their first attack of the game Penguins managed to sneak in to the lead on the break. Play continued much as before, but it wasn’t until a well-struck short corner from Don Elmore hit the backboard that we managed to equalise.

The game began turning into a bit of a battle at times, with many people sustaining blood injuries. By the far the worst though was Graham Brooks broken front tooth, caused by a wayward Penguin stick.

A blood spattered captain delivered the half time rallying call to the troops, which was answered with continued Cliftonville domination of possession and territory, without seriously threatening the Penguin goal. It wasn’t until Tim Elmore scored an individual effort, picking up the ball about 30 yards out, and scoring with a firm effort from the top of the D. 2-1, and no more than we deserved really.

Penguins managed to drag themselves back in to the game with another goal on the break as Cliftonville pushed for the 3^rd that would surely secure the points. So, 2-2 with 20 minutes to go.

Steve Burton once again restored the advantage with a typical long-range effort. The ball was probably 3 inches from the line as it was touched between the keeper’s legs. (It was outside the post though!) 3-2 up with 10 minutes to go, and the points should have been secure.

However, another quick break caught us out again as we applied he pressure. The last few weeks have highlighted the need for us to retain possession of the ball much better when we are in the lead. Once again 2 points were surrendered as we failed to hang on, which left skipper Graham Brooks even more down hearted as he rode off to the Neasden Accident and Emergency room!

3^rd XI vs. Folkestone, won 4-1

Well, we certainly made hard work of beating Folkestone at St Lawrence. The first half belonged almost entirely to the away team which kept goalkeeper Captain Morgan very busy (thanks… In fact I don’t think I have EVER dived that much in a match!) In fact it was from a save onto the post that we were able to break and take the lead against the run of play through centre-forward Grishka Winter who finished clinically (having moved there because he was getting puffed out at right half). Within ten minutes the lead was doubled as GRISHKA again outfoxed the Folkestone defence following good work from the midfield, particularly Greg Howard and PORNO.

After a long team-talk we came out after half-time and continued to play below standard… slack play from a number of players allowed our oppo to get back into the game… (2-1) In fact, Folkestone continued their dominance but were thwarted time and time again by Rob Macer (who demanded a mention in the paper this week) and Rob Garnier in defence and the Captain in goal. It was another break with about 10 minutes left on the clock that allowed right-wing Mark Keenagh to score with a deftly (flukily?) placed reverse-stick flick (yes, after trying in EVERY game of the season so far!) which looped over the keeper.

At last Folkestone heads dropped and we took control for the last 10 minutes. It came as little surprise when GRISHKA completed a fine hat trick to give an unconvincing display a flattering scoreline (GOOD!). In the end it was superior finishing and some excellent defending which kept us 6^th in the league with 4 games to go. If you can play badly and win then you must be doing well… I think.

Many thanks to young Steve Burton of Neasden for his faultless umpiring display. Marvellous… (creep, creep)

Team: D. Morgan, R. Macer, R. Garnier, C. Havenden, M. ‘hungover’ Friehoff, G. Howard,

3rd XI vs. Folkestone, won 4-1

3^rd XI vs. Folkestone, won 4-1